Poliak's Killifish (Aphyosemion poliaki) Pair

Common Name: Poliak’s Killifish (often sold under the scientific name Aphyosemion poliaki, especially locality-coded strains like Ekona).

Discover the jewel-like beauty of Aphyosemion poliaki, a rare and peaceful West African killifish from the shaded mountain streams of Cameroon. Perfect for dedicated hobbyists seeking a calm, biotope-inspired aquarium with vibrant male colors that truly shine in soft lighting and dense cover.

Origin & Natural Habitat

Native to the eastern slopes of Mount Cameroon in the Tamben region (South West Province), Aphyosemion poliaki inhabits small, fast-moving high-altitude brooks with overhanging vegetation, rocky/pebbly substrates, leaf litter, roots, and calm pockets. Think shaded rainforest stream margins — not open swimming areas.

Ideal Biotope Setup

Create a authentic small rainforest brook aquarium:

• Fine dark substrate (sand or fine gravel)
• Abundant leaf litter (e.g., Indian almond leaves), twigs, and roots for cover and microfauna
• Soft, diffused lighting with floating plants for dappled shade
• Gentle filtration (sponge filter recommended) for clean, well-oxygenated water

Compatible Fish (Biotope Companions)

Common & Easier to Source:

• Jae barb (Enteromius jae) – small, peaceful West African stream dweller
• African lampeye (Aplocheilichthys spp.) – in larger, calm setups
• Gentle Epiplatys species – low-flow only, watch for fin nipping

Rarer & Killifish-Focused:

• Other calm Aphyosemion species from similar habitats
• Locality strains of Aphyosemion poliaki (e.g., Ekona)
• Species-only or single-species soft-water West African killifish tanks

Recommended Plants

Aquarium-Friendly & Common:

• Java moss – excellent for marginal vegetation and fry/microfood habitat
• Anubias – attach to wood/rocks for shade and structure
• Floating plants (Salvinia or Amazon frogbit) – diffuse light and reduce stress

More Authentic Biotope Choices:

• Bolbitis heudelotii (African water fern) – true shaded stream aesthetic in stable tanks
• Other low-light, soft-water tolerant plants

Water Parameters & Care

• Temperature: 20–24°C (68–75°F) – stability over chasing exact values
• Water: Clean, soft to moderately hard, gentle flow; avoid swings
• Type: Non-annual (no dry incubation needed)
• Difficulty: Premium / intermediate – thrives in mature, calm, well-maintained tanks

Focus on consistency, gentle filtration, and regular small water changes. This timid species excels in species tanks or very peaceful communities.

Appearance, Size & Sexing

Small and jewel-like: max ~5 cm (2 inches). Males display intense colors, larger fins, and bold patterns (especially in shaded, covered tanks). Females are subdued, smaller, with shorter fins.

Feeding

In the wild: Tiny invertebrates, insect larvae in leaf litter and plant tangles.

In captivity: Varied small foods — live/frozen baby brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops, mosquito larvae. Supplement with high-quality micro pellets. Live foods boost conditioning and spawning.

Feed small amounts frequently; keep tank spotless.

Behavior & Tank Requirements

Timid and peaceful — best in species tanks or gentle setups. Needs:

• Tight-fitting lid (they jump!)
• Dense cover, plants, or spawning mops
• Shaded hiding spots, leaf litter for security and fry support

Breeding & Fry Care

Non-annual: Eggs laid in mops or dense plants; collect for separate incubation in clean water with gentle aeration (hatch in ~weeks depending on temp).

Breeder Tips:

• Condition with live foods 1–2 weeks prior
• Soft lighting, calm tank
• Remove fungused eggs promptly
• Protect fry: shallow water, sponge filter, infusoria → BBS, frequent small changes, no crowding

Quick Facts

• Adult Size: Up to ~5 cm (2 inches)
• Temperature: 20–24°C (68–75°F)
• Temperament: Timid — ideal with calm companions
• Breeding: Non-annual, water-incubated eggs

Why Choose Poliak’s Killifish?

This species rewards patience with breathtaking male colors — like living jewelry in a quiet rainforest stream scene. Skip if you want a busy, high-activity tank. Ideal for aquarists who appreciate calm beauty and thoughtful setup.